Park To Remain Passive

OAKLAND PARK -- The City Council decided on Wednesday to leave the city`s newest park as a passive nature park, following the wishes of about 30 residents who attended the council meeting.

In other action, the council tentatively approved a 50-cent increase in the monthly garbage rate for single-family homes, from $10.35 to $10.85 per month. A final vote on the increase will be on Oct. 21.

The council asked City Planner Joanne Powell to develop plans for a boardwalk to overlook the lake in Oakland Lake Park at Northwest 21st Avenue and Northwest 38th Street.

The park`s first phase, a landscaped nature walk on the east side of the lake along 21st Avenue, is under construction and should be finished by January.

The addition of a boardwalk will allow the city to apply for a state grant to pay for sprinklers and a split-rail fence, as well as the boardwalk, Powell said.

Without the boardwalk, grant money would not be available, she said.

The council decided that it will not expand the park or add any improvements such as boat ramps or fishing piers.

Plans for the park will be reviewed at the council meeting on Oct. 21.